BJP told me about war before polls 2 years ago: Kalyan

Actor-turned-politician Pawan Kalyan said that he was told that there will be a war just before the Lok Sabha elections, two years ago. Jana Sena Party president said that one can imagine the political situation prevailing in the country under the BJP rule, using war mongering just to benefit in elections.

Speaking at a public meeting in Kadapa, on Thursday Janasena Chief said that BJP cannot claim rights over patriotism but didn’t say whether any BJP leader in Delhi told him about the possibility of war before elections, to polarise votes in favour of that national party.

“Patriotism and national integrity are not the copyright of the BJP. We all are ten times more patriotic than them", said adding that Muslims in India don't need to prove their patriotism. "Muslims have a place in our hearts. We made Azharuddin the cricket captain and Abdul Kalam the President of India. We live in harmony", he said.

Pawan also opposed treating Muslims as a vote bank.

Pawan’s revelation at this juncture strengthens the TDP’s allegation that he had a secret understanding with the BJP.

Pawan along with TDP campaigned for Modi during 2014 elections. TDP severed ties with the BJP over the denial of granting special category status for the state. Pawan also distanced himself from the BJP but the TDP always saw him as close to BJP along with YSRCP in Andhra and TRS in Telangana.

In recent months in the run-up to the ensuing elections, his criticism on the national party have become sharper.